Lansing City Council reviews bridge closure, budget amendments, and administration of “Light the Way” bridge lighting campaign
by Joshua Sharpe
The Lansing City Council convened in regular session Monday, May 19 to comprehensively address critical infrastructure concerns, detailed fiscal amendments, and multiple community improvement initiatives.
BRIDGE CLOSING UPDATE
Mayor Mike Verdon delivered an extensive briefing on a structural issue involving the Black Hawk Bridge. Verdon detailed, “A little after 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, seismic monitors triggered an alarm. (Iowa Department of Transportation Engineer) Clayton Burke promptly checked and confirmed the legitimacy of the alarm, initiating bridge closure procedures around 10:45 p.m., with the bridge officially closing around 2:00 a.m.”
Reports that an optical survey revealed a concerning northward shift of Pier 3 overnight. Mayor Verdon elaborated, “Pier 3 shifted northward approximately one and one-half inches overnight, culminating in a cumulative displacement of three and three-quarter inches northward.” Engineers from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), contractor Kramer North America, and an Engineer of Record (EOR) have been conducting detailed investigations since the bridge closure.
Mayor Verdon emphasized, “The DOT recognizes the gravity of this movement. Their engineering staff is evaluating various remediation scenarios. Currently, we are in a hurry-up-and-wait mode awaiting further analyses.”
PLATT, NORTH, AND 4TH STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Nick LaRosa from Fehr Graham Engineering provided a comprehensive presentation on Change Order #1 addressing infrastructure work on Platt, North, and 4th Streets. He detailed, “The electrical voltage at the ball diamond lift station required adjustment from 240 to 208 volts, necessitating changes to the transfer switch for improved reliability. Additionally, a manhole and curb intake at Platt and Diagonal Streets were consolidated into a single structure for simplified maintenance, and two new stormwater intakes were installed south of North Street to manage increased run-off effectively.” After this detailed presentation, Mayor Verdon led the council in authorizing this infrastructure upgrade change order for $13,250.
FY 2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT
Mayor Verdon opened the public hearing on proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget amendments, clearly articulating, “The budget amendment involves a revenue increase of approximately $135,000 coupled with expenditure increases of about $120,000, resulting in a net positive fiscal impact of around $1,400.” After hearing no public comments or concerns, council member Steve Murray made a motion to approve Resolution 1049 regarding the budget amendment, securing unanimous council approval.
WAGE APPROVALS FOR PARKS AND REC
Resolution 1052 formally documented the Parks Department’s existing wage rates. Mayor Verdon clarified, “There have been no changes to these rates; this resolution simply ensures accurate public documentation.” It received immediate, unanimous support.
Resolution 1053 sparked deeper discussion due to administrative discrepancies involving staff member Harvey Ekern. Mayor Verdon addressed the council, highlighting the issue: “Harvey Ekern was mistakenly listed in dual coaching roles - head softball coach and assistant softball coach.” Council member Murray motioned to amend the resolution, officially defining Ekert’s roles as head T-ball coach at $15.25/hour and assistant softball coach at $12.25/hour. The amended resolution received unanimous approval.
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